Quick summary: For 1–3 month stays most travellers use tourist visas, visa‑exempt entry or visa‑on‑arrival. For 4–12 month stays you’ll usually need a long‑stay visa (student, work/KITAS, retirement, etc.) or plan documented visa extensions/visa runs. Hosts on our platform typically confirm bookings by dates and only check passport and entry stamp/visa at check‑in to verify lawful presence. Many landlords accept valid short‑stay visas while a tenancy is active, provided the visa/entry stamp is current when checked.
FAQ
What visa do I need for a 1–3 month rental?
Use a tourist visa, visa‑exempt stamp, or visa‑on‑arrival (VOA) where available. Always check entry rules for your nationality before booking. You can sign the online contract before securing a visa, but you must present a passport and a valid entry stamp/visa at arrival/check‑in.
What if my rental is 4–12 months?
For stays beyond ~90 days, plan for a long‑stay visa (student, work/KITAS/KITAP, retirement) or budget for official visa extensions or visa runs. Extensions are possible in many countries but can be time‑consuming and costly. Hosts generally only verify lawful presence at check‑in and may ask for updated visa photos as your tenancy approaches.
What documents do property managers usually require at check‑in?
Typical requirements on our platform:
- Passport photo page for every occupant.
- Current entry stamp or visa page showing legal validity.
- Signed tenancy agreement — contracts are completed and stored online.
- Security deposit and first month’s rent (per the listing).
Situational: work permits/KITAS, student letters or other long‑stay documents when relevant. Hosts rarely require onward tickets or personal financial documents; the main concern is lawful presence.
Country specifics — Vietnam / Thailand / Indonesia
Vietnam
Common visas: e‑visa (usually 30 days), visa exemption for some nationals, and tourist/business visas with possible extensions. For stays beyond 30–90 days arrange a long‑stay visa or documented extensions/visa runs. Temporary residence registration with local police is mandatory for foreign guests; hosts usually assist with this at check‑in and will verify passports and entry stamps.
Thailand
Common visas: 30‑day visa‑exempt entry or VOA for many nationalities; tourist visas (60–90 days); education or non‑immigrant visas and special long‑stay options (retirement, work, SMART). Thailand also requires periodic immigration reporting (e.g. 90‑day reporting) for many foreigners. Hosts typically check passports and entry stamps and focus on lawful presence rather than financial guarantees.
Indonesia
Common visas: VOA (30 days), social/cultural or tourist visas (B211) extendable to 60–180 days with extensions; KITAS/KITAP for long stays. For stays >60–90 days plan for a long‑stay visa or multiple extensions. Hosts mainly check passport and current visa/entry stamp; long‑term residents will present KITAS/KITAP as needed. In busy areas (e.g. Bali) hosts follow local registration practices for longer stays.
Can I rent 6–12 months if I only have a short tourist visa now?
Yes — you can sign a lease through the platform before getting a long‑stay visa. But you must be legally entitled to stay at check‑in and comply with local registration rules during the tenancy. Options: switch to a long‑stay visa (recommended), arrange official extensions, or use visa runs where permitted. Hosts may request updated photos of your visa as the tenancy date approaches.
What are the risks of visa/rental mismatches?
Risks include fines or deportation for overstaying, loss of deposit if you leave early, inability to complete required local registration, or the landlord ending the tenancy if you are not lawfully present. Visa runs are a common workaround but carry risks if immigration policies change.
Quick document checklist
Core documents for most stays: passport(s) and the current entry stamp/visa. Additional items depend on stay length and visa type:
- Short stays (1–3 months): passport + entry stamp/VOA; signed short lease and deposit.
- Longer stays (4–12 months): passport + a long‑stay visa or a documented plan for extensions/visa runs; bring KITAS/KITAP, work permit or student letter if applicable.
- Always keep scanned copies of passports and visa pages and be ready to upload updated photos when requested.
Practical tips for hosts & tenants
- Match lease length to visa validity where possible; add a visa‑related early termination clause.
- Keep scanned passport and visa photos and request updates as check‑in nears.
- Budget for visa extension fees, immigration visits and reporting obligations (e.g. Thailand’s 90‑day report).
- Use bilingual contracts (English + local language) when possible and get receipts for all payments.
Where to get official info
Check the embassy or consulate websites for Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia for your nationality, and consult local immigration offices. Well Travel hosts can share common property requirements but cannot provide legal or immigration advice.
Need help?
If you’re booking with Well Travel, contact support with your nationality and planned dates — we’ll share typical landlord requirements for that country and property type.
Note: visa rules and programs change. Always confirm with embassies and local immigration before you travel.
